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French President Emmanuel Macron is on an official visit to Syria, the first trip by a Western European head of state since the fall of Bashar Assad
Twin explosions in Damascus during France’s Macron visit
At least two explosions were reported near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria’s Damascus on Tuesday, said security sources. The French leader is on an official visit to Syria, the first trip by a Western European head of state since the fall of Bashar Assad in 2024.
According to the Elysee, Macron did not hear the blasts, and soon afterwards, he met his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, news agency Reuters reported.
A witness, associated with Reuters, heard explosions in the vicinity of the hotel hosting Macron and saw smoke billowing out of the site. Emergency vehicles were rushed to the spot, traffic was suspended on the road and security measures were implemented, said the security source.
A video surfaced on social media, showing a car parked near the hotel engulfed in flames as panic gripped locals. As the clip proceeded, an emergency response vehicle was seen arriving at the spot to douse the flames.
Another clip, seemingly filmed from a distant spot, captured thick plumes of smoke rising from the explosion site.
‘Macron Did Not Hear Blasts’
The Elysee Palace stated that Macron had not heard the blasts as they were not audible from the presidential motorcade. Meanwhile, sources reported that one of the bombs were placed in a dumpster and the other one in a vehicle parked near the Four Seasons Hotel, which is hosting the French leader on his maiden visit to Syria, according to AFP.
However, the French President later met his Syrian counterpart at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. His visit to Syria comes against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly in the aftermath of the month-long war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Upon landing in Syria, Macron wrote on ‘X’: “I am here to affirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let’s open a new page of stability and peace.”
I come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its plurality and at peace with its neighbors. Together, let’s open a new page of stability and peace. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 6, 2026
The trip also reflects Syria’s changing role under the presidency of Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who seeks stronger ties with western and Gulf powers as he engages in reviving a nation shattered by 13 years of civil war.
After Damascus, Macron will travel to Ankara, Turkey, to attend the NATO summit.
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